Why India needs to strap on its digital boots now!

A world without the Internet is now akin to one without basic utilities like gas, electricity, infrastructure and water. Much like electricity, it powers growth and just as roads do, it connects people. Why then, must broadband be treated any differently? We’re promised 24X7 electricity, but the world is developing fast and to keep up, we will also need 24X7 broadband services. Across the globe, countries are slowly but surely recognizing the role of the Internet as a fundamental requirement for progress – the White House, in the United States, and House of Lords, in the United Kingdom have already defined broadband as a utility, and in doing so ensured that it must be made as easily available to the citizens of its country as are other utilities.

McKinsey Global Institute says: “[broadband] infrastructure, the backbone of the entire Internet ecosystem, is an irreplaceable prerequisite. It creates the platforms upon which users, and organizations experience the Internet, and upon which entrepreneurs and businesses innovate.” Making broadband a utility in India, of course, is easier said than done – various stakeholders, at different levels, must work cohesively and concurrently towards this common goal, which, interestingly, is stated as part of the Prime Minister’s Digital India manifesto. Understanding what our obstacles are, what needs to be done to achieve this and why this is important, is the first step forward.

The biggest challenge we face is lack of a collaborative effort to increase access to broadband. While the Government must act quickly to formulate and approve required regulatory frameworks, the kind that would promote broadband deployment, private players must be willing to put forth the capital investments in the latest technology to ensure high-speed Internet.

In China, for example, as a combined effect of the issuance of LTE FDD licenses and establishment of tower-sharing policies, and rapid action to increase coverage on behalf of companies like China Telecom and China Unicom, 4G-adoption became widespread. At the end of June 2015, China Mobile’s 4G customer base reached 190 million, accounting for 23 percent of its total number of customers. By effectively utilizing the policy push from the Government, these organizations consistently grew their networks, in both urban and rural areas.

The time to simply provide basic Internet usage is long-gone. The way we communicate, transact and share has completely transformed. Consequently, bridging India’s digital divide has now become about providing high-quality and reliable broadband services. From current average speed in India of 2.1mbps, we should target average speeds of at least 20 mbps; in line with global national broadband projects. As per the State of Broadband 2015 report, there are currently 148 countries around the globe with a National Broadband Plan. For example, the goals set by the European Digital Agenda is to have 100% of European Union households with at least 30 Mbps broadband and 50% households with access to 100 Mbps or more by 2020.

Whether through fixed or mobile connections, broadband, the need for fast Internet has become a very real concern; else, we are critically limiting its application. For example, for a healthcare professional in a remote rural area to be able to adequately attend to an emergency case through the support of an expert in another part of the country, or world, would require the village, in question, to have dependable broadband.

While the revision of the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) to BharatNet and increase of budget to INR 72,000cr (from 20,000cr) represents a step in the right direction, it will not be enough. Looking towards this effort for short-term gains or quick returns on investments will also not be prudent. Very much like government’s stated visions of Power for All, and Power 24X7; we must have a Broadband for All, and a Broadband 24X7 vision. Given the impact broadband can have on education and business innovation, the benefits will be tangible in the long run.

According the World Bank, in developing countries, a 10% increase in broadband penetration increases the per capita GDP by 1.38%. Closer to home, in India, broadband has already been responsible for the generation of 9 million direct and indirect jobs. That said, a 1% addition to the broadband penetration could increase the 2015 GDP by US$2.7 billion.

The potential of the Internet is immense – how it can change our healthcare, education and even, work-life patterns is undeniable. However, this can only be realized with broadband. For a business to be truly international and innovative, for healthcare to be truly transformational, and for education to be truly barrier-less, superfast and reliable broadband connections are essential. This is why we now need to elevate our Internet services so as to enjoy its full impact. Any time lost is doing so is not only potential wasted but also opportunity lost.

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETTelecom.com does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETTelecom.com shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organisation directly or indirectly.

Anand Agarwal is Chief Executive Officer of Sterlite Technologies, since 2003. Under his leadership, Sterlite has grown from an optical fiber company to one of the leading global providers of products, solutions and services for telecom & power industries.

Anand Agarwal is Chief Executive Officer of Sterlite Technologies, since 2003. Under his leadership, Sterlite has grown from an optical fiber company to one of the leading global Show more.. providers of products, solutions and services for telecom & power industries.